The series, headed up by lawyer Catherine Bond Muir, will feature 18 to 20 female racers squaring off in identical Tatuus T-318 Formula 3 cars with a US$1.5 million prize pool on offer.

There is no cost to enter the series, with drivers instead selected in a multi-faceted process judged by a panel featuring David Coulthard, Adrian Newey, former Formula 1 team manager Dave Ryan, and F1 media professional Matt Bishop.

It has now been confirmed that the W Series will race alongside the DTM with the inaugural round due to take place at Hockenheim season opener from May 3-5.

From there it will visit Belgium’s Zolder circuit (May 17-19) before heading to Misano in Italy from June 7-9.

The famous Norisring will host the fourth round from July 5-7 ahead of a visit to Assen in The Netherlands (July 19-21) before the season finale at Brands Hatch from August 10-11.